both hint that a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff is on the way. possibly in time for santa. i asked republican john cornyn whether he thinks that is a reality. >>> and governor romney sits down with the president since the election, actually since the debates. does this do either of them any good? rick santorum is outfront. and julian assange is outfront to answer critics and our questions tonight. let's go "outfront." >>> good evening, everyone. i'm erin burnett, outfront tonight, an early christmas miracle. or at least the glimmer of one today. barack obama bringing glad tidings of great joy to avoid the fiscal cliff. >> my hope is to get this done before christmas. i will go anywhere and do anything it takes to get this done. it's too important for washington to screw this up. >> and john boehner, not to be outdone, put a little early present under the tree too. >> i'm optimistic that we can continue to work together to avert this crisis and sooner rather than later. >> these are pretty glum faces to deliver those presents. no smile from either